The Defence Force is helping with the search for two missing trampers in Kahurangi National Park.
The Defence Force helicopter is capable of winching search teams into rugged terrain. Photo: NZ Defence Force
The pair failed to return from a tramp after setting out on 9 May.
Search and rescue teams have been looking for Dion Reynolds and Jessica O'Connor, both 23, in Kahurangi National Park for the past week. Their efforts been hampered by bad weather since Sunday.
Five specialist tracking experts and three search dog teams are among six crews searching the upper Webb Stream area and Wakamarama Range.
Police say the crews are planning to stay in the park overnight.
Two helicopters are being used in the search from the air, including a Defence Force helicopter which can winch search teams into rugged terrain.
Police say a jumper found during the search was unlikely to belong to the pair.
A Givealittle page set up by Dominic O'Connor - Jess' brother - has raised more than $26,000 for Land Search and Rescue New Zealand.